Field Sites

At the southern end of Kluane Lake lies the Kluane Lake Research Station, a scientific field station owned and operated by the Arctic Institute of North America. For 50 years it has provided a logistical base of operations for scientists from around the world. Amenities include cabins, showers, dining hall, internet, and telephone as well as on-site air support operated by Icefield Expeditions. There is also the neuroendocrine and ecophysiology research lab established by Dr. Rudy Boonstra. The station is accessible by road from the Alaska Highway.

Portland Island, BC, Canada

Portland Island is a part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The island is 534 ha and accessible by boat only, a 30-45min trip from Canoe Cove Marina on Vancouver Island depending on weather. Facilities on the island are very limited, there are 3 campsites with pit toilets and no running water or electricity. Researchers spending time on the island are supported by the Pacific Research Station located on Vancouver Island.

San Guillermo National Park, Argentina

San Guillermo National Park (SGNP), San Juan Province, Argentina is one of the most intact landscapes in Southern America. It was established in 1998 to protect Argentina’s most southern population of vicuñas and their predators, pumas, in an minimally disturbed habitat. Located in the Argentine Andes at 3300m, the park is an arid, mountainous desert. SGNP is one of the last remaining areas in South America minimally impacted by anthropogenic activities. The park only supports one minimally used dirt road, supports no agriculture or domestic livestock, and has a tourist cap of 20 per year.

The park supports one housing facility for researcher and ranger use. Electricity is run sparingly by a diesel generator, and running water is supplied from a nearby stream. Amenities include bunk beds, shower, and kitchen.

The Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center was originally owned and occupied by Solon and Martha Dixon. Mr. Dixon loved nature so much, that he gave the area as a gift to Auburn University so that young people could experience nature while learning about resource management. The site is has been used by over 20 colleges and universities for research and teaching, along with many agencies, primary and secondary schools, and private groups.

The Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center has hotel rooms for overnight stays. The hotel style rooms have 2 twin beds, their own bath/shower room, and individual heating and cooling units. Rooms have full electricity as well as WiFi signal. We have access to a small kitchen which has a stove top, sink, and refrigerator. There is also onsite washer and dryer for use by researchers.

Located north of the Brooks Range in Arctic Alaska lies the Toolik Field Station operated and managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Originally established in 1975 to support aquatic research its mission today is to support research and education that creates a greater understanding of the Arctic and its relationship to the global environment. Amenities include housing, meals, and laboratories in addition to support services for arctic research and education to scientists and students from universities, institutions, and agencies from throughout the US and the world. Research support includes GIS and mapping services,technical and IT assistance, shared commonly used equipment, and collection of standardized environmental data. There is also an animal handling and surgical lab established and run as part of Team Squirrel (in collaboration with Drs Brian Barnes and Loren Buck). The station is accessible by road along the Dalton Highway (featured prominently on IceRoad Truckers).